PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To source funding through various channels such as philanthropic donations, bursaries, sponsorships, and partnership funding in line with the needs and requirements of the NWU, both in South Africa and internationally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development of Fundraising Plan 

• Support the Senior Manager: Development and Fundraising to develop and implement an integrated approach to the solicitation of funding for the benefit of the NWU, focusing on international fundraising
• Make contributions to the development of strategies to target new donors internationally.

Prospect Research 

• Working with the Senior Manager to identify priority fundraising needs and causes at the NWU.
• In line with the priority needs and causes and working with the Prospect Researcher:

• Identify and qualify prospective donors.
• Conduct research on qualified donors; and
• Record relevant prospect information in relevant databases or systems

• Engage with current and past donors to uncover new funding opportunities as well as any changes in the donors’ organisation, personnel, and attitudes.
• Continuously scan the international market to find fundraising opportunities that are in line with the priority needs and causes.

Development & Fundraising Projects 

• Working with the Senior Manager, take ownership of development and fundraising with respect to assigned donors, needs, and causes.
• For each assigned project or cause:

• Develop and execute an account management plan.
• Identify internal stakeholders such as project leaders that will execute the project for which the funds are raised.
• Meet and communicate with qualified prospects to solicit funding in line with the needs of the NWU.
• In collaboration with the Proposal Writer, compile and submit high-quality funding proposals to qualified prospects.
• Ensure that needed documents are produced, and prescribed processes, formalities, and approvals are followed to ensure that donations are received and accounted for.
• Draft and send progress and closing reports to donors promptly.
• Ensure that donors, projects, solicitation actions, and donations received are registered, updated, and maintained in relevant databases or systems.
• Ensure that donations are promptly acknowledged.
• Ensure that donors are included in stewardship programmes.

Development & Fundraising Cultivations

• Cultivation:

• Arrange and execute meetings with current and prospective donors to increase corporate giving.
• Arrange and execute visits by current and prospective donors to campuses and donor events.
• Suggest and arrange itineraries for executive management regarding national and international fundraising visits and other engagements.

• Participate in developing and delivering an integrated communication strategy to support fundraising initiatives.
• Contribute information to compile reports to management and governance structures of the university.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals and applications for international funding opportunities.

International Stakeholder Engagements

• To enhance and maintain strong relationships with international donors, with a strong focus on local and international alumni engagements.
• To lead and implement international fundraising initiatives with a focus on engaging foundations. This involves developing and maintaining relationships with philanthropic organisations globally to secure financial support for the NWU.
• To lead international fundraising efforts with a primary focus on initiatives that enhance graduate employability.

• An honour’s degree (NQF level 8) in Marketing, Public Relations, International Relations, Business Development, Business Management or applicable.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in building and maintaining relationships and networks with role-players: academics, funders, industry and government, both locally and internationally.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to think strategically.
• Excellent communication, writing and reporting skills.
• Prospect research.
• Team player and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Project management skills.
• Results orientated.
• Computer literate.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Problem solving.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Ability to engage stakeholders at various levels.
• Ability to work alone and in teams.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Organisational skills.
• Stress management skills.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
• Willingness to work outside office hours.